Box after box, bag after bag, over 1500 pairs of shoes lined the hallway ready to be sorted. As part of a social justice initiative last year, the students and staff at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board collected a multitude of shoes to donate to other students and people in need in the community. The “Sudbury Catholic Shoe-Drop” was an initiative that was launched in May of 2012 as part of Catholic Education Week and continued until the end of June. To connect with this initiative, the SCDSB also asked Catholic trustees from across the nation visiting Sudbury for the Canadian Catholic Schools’ Trustee Association A.G.M. in June to support this cause. Many came with bags full of brand new shoes that were donated from their local community shoes stores. As well, students and staff from the Conseil scolaire de district catholique du Nouvel-Ontario also stepped up to the plate and sent over numerous boxes from their own shoe drives. It has taken a few months to get the shoes all to one location and preliminarily sorted, and now the task at hand is a doing a more comprehensive inventory of the shoes. Christina Kilby, the grade 8 teacher at St. David Catholic Elementary School volunteered her class to be in charge of sorting all of the shoes by size to make it easier for donation. “I knew that this activity would be a great opportunity to connect to this month’s virtue of justice,” Kilby stated. “Working with my students to service the needs of others definitely speaks to this virtue, and allows my class to be able to connect to their faith through empathy and compassion.” Once organized, the shoes will be sent to those who might need some warm and dry footwear in the Greater City of Sudbury through various charities and outlets. Barry MacDonald, Chair of the Board for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board was thrilled with the response to the call for new and gently used shoes. “What an outstanding success this has been to support those in need in our community,” MacDonald stated. “Especially as we are gearing up for the Christmas season, as well as cold and wet winter weather, this considerable donation is a true reflection of the generous and compassionate spirit of the Sudbury Catholic DSB family, as well as its partners both in the community and across the nation!”
Category: Schools
NET Some Faith for St. Anne Angels
On November 5, 2012, Grade 8 students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer participated in a NET retreat (National Evangelization Team). NET members, comprised of a group of young people who challenge young Catholics to embrace Christ, shared Jesus’ gospel message in a dynamic format. They brought their message to life through songs, skits, small group discussions, and prayer. “It was a lot of fun. I liked talking in groups and getting to know my classmates on a deeper level,” said Crystal Therrien, a student who attended the retreat.
Students embraced the day by taking part in all activities. Some were compelled to read the Bible while others opted to pray the rosary. This quiet time allowed students to reflect in prayer and even brought some to tears. “It gave me time to speak to God about some of the choices I have made. I also prayed for world peace,” said Jacob Lesenke, a student at the school. To end the day, students quietly entered the church and prayed silently with their team leader. Lunch was provided courtesy of The Caruso Club.
A Creative Halloween at St. James
On October 31st, all students from St. James Catholic Elementary School participated in different Halloween activities. There were many different costumes throughout the school but Avery Blanchard, a grade four student used the metaphor “a fork in the road” to create her unique costume.
St. Charles Students Remember
Students from St. Charles Elementary look on as JK students Sophie and Gavin Patterson, along with their grandfather, George Patterson bring up a cross remembering those who served in the Korean War. It was a privilege to have members from the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 553 Chelmsford join the school, including Mr.Rogerson, a parent legionnaire, in our Remembrance Day Celebration. We remember, we will never forget.
Take Our Kids To Work Day at St. Benedict
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary students proudly participated in the Take Our Kids to Work Day on November 7th, 2012. These students got to learn first hand what skills are required in today’s work environment. But before they went out to the workplace, Monica. Dailey, co-op education teacher explained to them the importance of students rights and responsibilities in a safe work environment.
Water Walk at Holy Cross
On Friday, November 2, Holy Cross teacher Shanna Whalen’s Grade 3/4 class and teacher Eva Scola’s Grade 3 class, set off to obtain some understanding of how difficult it is for those living in Africa. They took with them their water bottles, one huge jug, and a jerry can, to collect water from the water filling station on Countryside. Both classes have been learning about the poor water conditions in Africa, and how children there need to walk for 2 hours and 10 000 steps to get water- dirty water. Upon arriving at our destination, Ms. Scola lead the students in a water prayer, a prayer for those who do not have the wonderful, clean water that we do, and usually take for granted. On the way back to the school, the students took turns carrying the heavy containers of water. The two classes have been introduced to Ryan’s Well, and have been given the task of educating the whole school about the water conditions in Africa and how we can make a difference. They want to make others realize that they can be kids and think about Africa too.
Holy Cross Celebrates Official Grand Opening
On Thursday, November 1, 2012, students, parents, staff, and community partners gathered at 2997 Algonquin Road for a joyous celebration. Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School held its official grand opening and all in attendance were thrilled with the morning’s events. Bishop Plouffe began the ceremony with an opening prayer, and several invited guests spoke to the wonderful celebration and school opening including M.P.P. Rick Bartolucci and Mayor Matichuk. The entire group was welcomed by the school principal Louise Franklin as well as Director of Education Catherine McCullough. As part of the celebration, the school choir performed and a slideshow was shown highlighting the building and students now occupying the school. After the official ribbon cutting, the guests were invited to a reception and tour of the school facility.
Barry MacDonald, Chair of the Board was on hand during the celebration and was delighted with the morning celebration. “This is truly an occasion of great significance as its completion has occurred through the hard work of many dedicated individuals and strong community partners. This outstanding school was created with the communities of Corpus Christi, St. Theresa and St. Christopher coming together as one, and building on positive relationships,” MacDonald stated. “This new school’s commitment to excellence embodies the true spirit of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board positively supporting our students, and providing an outstanding and exceptional learning environment. On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic Board of Trustees, I congratulate all involved in this project, and look forward to the years to come watching the future growth of the school, and its students.”
Giving Comes Naturally to St. Anne Angels
Students in grade 6, 7, and 8, celebrating the virtue of Justice, had the opportunity to give to students in under-developed countries. St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer worked with Our Lady of Peace Parish in Capreol to fill numerous shoeboxes that will be sent away through Operation Christmas Child.
Students watched videos to understand how Operation Christmas Child works and to see young children who received these gifts in previous years. The students were excited to fill their boxes and ultimately make a difference in the life of a child they do not know. “It was an honour to help out children who are not as fortunate as we are. Our small donations can brighten a child’s Christmas,” said Jamie Poulin-Fortier.
“Our students were so excited to fill these shoeboxes. They were happy to know that they were able to give to others across the globe,” said Jody O’Daiskey, a teacher at the school.
St. Anne Catholic School participates in a number of different charity events throughout the year. At the end of November, the school will host the Q92/TD Bank Toy Drive. Students will also take part in the “Socks, Mitts, and Hats for the Homeless” campaign in conjunction with St. Kevin’s Parish in Val Therese and the annual St. Anne Christmas Food Drive with St. Jacques Parish in Hanmer.
It is clear that St. Anne Angels have a huge heart for others in need. Every year, charity fundraisers are more successful than the last. Students have every reason to be proud of their accomplishments!
Ghostbusters on the Job at St. Bernadette
The staff at St. Bernadette Catholic School were well prepared for ghosts and goblins that normally make an appearance on Hallowe’en. The teachers, or Bernadette Ghost Busters as they are also known, were able to capture two very scary ghosts (who surprizingly resembled the Principal, Diana Salvador and the Secretary, Shari Schroeder). The school is safe now and ready for students when they return to classes after an evening of trick or treating.